9 year old implants - fluid on breast. What causes this and will it go away on its own?

Rhinton1,
This is an important question due to the known association between textured implants and Breast Implant–Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). Siltex implants (textured implants made by Mentor) have a much lower reported association with BIA-ALCL than Allergan’s BIOCELL implants, but the risk isn’t zero. The key point is that new swelling or fluid around an implant — especially 8-10 years after surgery — should always be evaluated promptly to rule out ALCL. Here’s what I recommend:See your plastic surgeon right away (or a board-certified plastic surgeon familiar with implant-associated conditions).An ultrasound of the breast is the first step to check for fluid (a seroma) or any capsule changes.Since you have already had an MRI and fluid was found around your implant, it should be aspirated and sent for CD30 and ALK testing to rule out BIA-ALCL.Most of the time, swelling is due to benign causes (such as a small seroma, trauma, or infection), but it’s important to confirm.If BIA-ALCL is diagnosed, it’s typically treatable and curable, especially when detected early.
Dr Stein

A sudden size increase years after augmentation is most often due to fluid collecting around the implant. Common causes include a benign late seroma, small implant leak, low-grade inflammation or infection, and rarely BIA-ALCL in textured devices.
Your MRI recommendation for fine needle aspiration is appropriate. Ask your team to send the fluid for:• Cytology to look for abnormal cells• CD30 immunohistochemistry to screen for BIA-ALCL• Cultures if infection is a concern
If results are benign:• One-time aspiration may reduce the swelling, but recurrence is possible if the capsule keeps producing fluid• Recurrent seroma often responds best to capsule surgery with implant exchange or removal after a full discussion of pros and cons• If imaging shows implant rupture, implant replacement or removal is the solution rather than observation
Will it go away on its own?• Sometimes a small sterile seroma settles after aspiration and rest• If the pocket refills or imaging raises concern, addressing the underlying cause is safer than repeated waiting
The information here is not enough for a precise plan. A deeper review of your ultrasound, MRI report and lab results will define the safest next step. Our coordinators can help gather these details through a complimentary conversation if you would like to explore your options.
Wishing you clarity, reassurance and a smooth path back to feeling comfortable again.Güray Yeşiladalı, MD